Justin Forsett's deal prevents Ravens from re-signing him until free agency

Justin Forsett has been one of the more improbable feel-good stories in the NFL, with the journeyman former seventh-round pick standing third in the NFL in rushing yards, and first in yards per carry (by a massive margin), and leading Baltimore’s quest to return to the playoffs. He’s been a perfect fit in the Ravens’ offense under new coordinator Gary Kubiak -- who has coached him before -- and a model citizen in replacing released and suspended former Pro Bowl back Ray Rice, but there is no chance the Ravens can extend his contract this season.

Forsett was signed to a salary of $730,000 for one year, with a minimum-salary benefit contract. That minimum-salary benefit designation precludes the player and team from in any way altering his contract before the start of free agency.

The only way the Ravens could keep him off the market would be to franchise him -- that’s not happening -- and while Forsett loves it there and the Ravens love having him and a reunion could be possible in March, there is nothing Baltimore could do to prevent teams from at least having the opportunity to negotiate with him.

The Ravens could still speak to his agent about a new deal prior to the start of the new league year in March, and lay the groundwork for a potential extension, but no deal could be executed. Forsett’s advanced age for running backs (he's 29) and lack of any former starting experience or sustained production could make things a little tricky, but he is very much interested in staying in Baltimore, sources said.

Forsett has played for four different teams in the past four years, and would love to find some stability. He isn’t built to handle a huge load, but has found a nose for the end zone and picking up tough yards inside the 10-yard line since being given a chance, and his astounding yards per carry 5.8, is a whopping .70 yards per carry higher than the next-best running back (Arian Foster).

Twice this month Forsett was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Week.